This urban rehabilitation project will forge a new green link between the city and its bustling riverfront

Like a fairytale, ‘The Forest’ plugs a void between the city and the river with a series of trees, trails, and performance spaces. Existing sculptures will remain, although Atelier Why proposes to move the water fountain by Isamu Noguchi so that it is sunken into the ground and then surrounded by another spiraling amphitheater with wood flooring and white curtains that mimic falling water.

Dappled light streams through the forest canopy and benches and a wooden bridge are inserted so that visitors can enjoy outdoor arts and performance events. In addition to sponging up some of the city’s grime, this area stands to completely transform, in a healthy way, how locals and tourists experience downtown Detroit.